Gerald R. Hamric

Obituary of Gerald Hamric Gerald R. Hamric Born February 13, 1928 in Gadsden, AL, entered into the gates of heaven December 19, 2015. In his early years, he worked at the Goodyear plant in Gadsden. Shortly after graduation from Crossville HS, he began working for Stromberg Carson, traveling across the US installing telephone equipment. While working a job in Leesburg, he met the love of his life, Irene. Convincing her that his job there would soon be finished and he would be sent to another city, they married March 30, 1956. Together they traveled with his work making lifelong friends along the way. As the birth of their daughter Carolyn neared, they settled back in Leesburg. Their life together was full of love, church (they were charter members of Fruitland Park Baptist Church) and work. Gerald and Irene loved to sing, and could often be heard singing as they drove. They also shared a love for children, often filling the car (or the church bus) taking them to church. Their life together was about helping and ministering to others. Early in the marriage, Irene was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Never letting it hold them back, he dedicated his life to taking care of her and any others that needed help along the way. Gerald retired from Sprint at the age of 62 after 30 plus years of service. In his retirement, he was always busy, working in the vegetable garden, planting flowers, planning trips and always making sure Irene was taken care of. Together they invited children from the Florida Baptist Children's Home in Lakeland into their home on weekends. They also cared for children of their church family. A kid at heart, Gerald taught all of them to swim and was one of them. In the past few years, Gerald warmed his vocal cords again and was always willing to share a song to two. Gerald is predeceased by his wife, Irene. His siblings, Martha (Mott) Patterson, Jeanette Thornhill, William (Bill) Hamric, Harold Hamric, Derwin Hamric, Cochran Hamric, Sara Byers, and Joyce Chandler. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Hamric Haber (Lee), Grandson Matthew Haber of Odessa, FL and brother Royce (Bud) Hamric (Imogene) of Cornelia, GA. Many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg, Dec 26, at 10 am, followed by the service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Florida Baptist Childrens Home 1015 Sikes Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815.

Gerald R. Hamric

February 13, 1928 - December 19, 2015